Saturday in the parks

Butch and I went to Magnolia park to wish Kay a happy birthday. We decided to take a walk around as we used to do twice a day in years past. We would walk the 1.2-mile route hitting every street. It was a good way to see many people as the weather was perfect and people were outdoors.
I had walked a route I like in Trophy Gardens early yesterday morning. Judging from the time it took, my guess is about a 2-mile walk.
Here are some pics I took yesterday. Taking in the early morning sun

Playing "Skins"? Golfers talk funny

Harvesting a cabbage field

The Pool Hall

Trophy Gardens hosting Casa Del Sol.

Janice and Linda from Casa Del Sol and I know that by their names on their shirts.

The women are in charge! -As usual!

 I know this one! Butch Brooker

 
This is Pierre. Pierre and his wife Collette are newly retired and came to Trophy Gardens from Canada to spend the season. He is a top-notch pool player and has caused quite a stir. He is the "new kid in school" and everyone wants to be his friend. And I say that without one shred of facetiousness. He will be teaching the women some pool pointers on Mondays.

 Pierre and Jerry

Charlene from Casa Del Sol. It did not take long watching her to know she can handle being on a men's pool league. No Problem!

Aw shucks!!!

I hit the wrong button!!! I could use even stronger language but I will not. Happy Birthday, Kay a day too early.

Happy Birthday, Kay!

I am writing this today(Friday) but will not be able to post it until Saturday afternoon. Kay Stilson is the primary baker of things in Magnolia Park. If they need cakes for an event they look to Kay so she is always in need of cake mixes. We friends have decided not to exchange gifts for birthdays so knowing her big day was coming up I thought it would be somewhat of a joke to give her a birthday cake. And then I took it one step further and decided to give her 2 cake mixes! I got creative with the presentation and here is the result. The sun was shining through so it looks as though the candles are lit. I may give all cakes this way in the future!

Golden Fronted Woodpecker

Good shot of the coloring on this bird. I have seen several in the park. This one was taken out of the motorhome window

Trivia Night Results

There were 4 teams tonight. Team Boobie won first place and Team Geritol came in second. We had a great time and I look forward to many more nights of fun this season.

Start it off right!

I went for my walk! Anymore my life is not complete without a mile plus walk. Just does not feel right without it. Butch went to the Executive course today to play golf. That is his preferred method of getting his walk done.
I incorporated a trip around the golf course increasing a chance of a wildlife photo. A Jack scared the bejeesus out of me and only stopped when he was nearly out of range.
Here are my photos of the day:

 Linda has good form!

 I think this is a compass plant.

This is a very muscular rabbit!

 I have still not determined the crop growing on the east side of the golf course

Happy New Year!

Well, it is here! We did not have celebratory plans for New Year's Eve but then John got sick so he and Carol stayed home and we took their spot at the table in the main hall with Liz and Dave. We had a good time and added a few stories to our repertoire. For instance, we did not know the couple next to us. When we arrived at the hall they were standing outside smoking a cigar. He was standing outside smoking a cigar, she was with him. We did not know it then but they turned out to be our tablemates. Every 10 to 15 minutes they would get up, put on their coats and go outside. For what purpose we spent the entire evening trying to figure out. We thought they were probably smoking but the frequency seemed excessive by any standards. They did not dance to my recollection. They did not seem to have a friend connection. They were the mystery of the night.

Butch toured around the place and discovered that Kenton and Polly from Magnolia Park were there. We stopped by their table for a short chat and while we were dancing I spotted Phyllis of George and Phyllis, new residents of Rio Valley Estates, dancing a line dance so later we stopped by their table for a short chat as well.

Another event was a man going down on the dance floor with heart issues. I can say that because they asked if anyone had some nitro. This park has several first responders and they were taking care of things and the music and dancing were on hold. The first responder's phone number is on a sticker placed on the back of our badges. In a park full of "seniors" it is comforting to know a plan is in place if medical attention is needed quickly. The man left the hall on a stretcher in the care of EMT's.

While we were waiting for that to be taken care of some monkey business did take place.

Lynn and Moe were celebrating too and we got a picture of them with Liz and Dave.

The park is filling up and the fantastic free internet connection is not so great right now. I must test and experiment to find a time to make it work. It is doable but takes longer.
We did not stay in the hall to bring in the new year. I listened to the war-like sound of the fireworks from my bed as the clock struck 12. Butch watched the fireworks from the darkened location of our living room.

The new year is commencing and what it holds for us we can never be sure. Each day is a new adventure.

Cory's Cakes

Butch and I were told about Cory's Cakes shortly after arriving here. I believe it was in conjunction with the subject of cinnamon rolls. So last week we decided to check it out and we were impressed. For one thing, it was 2:00 PM and the place was busy and then the minute I spotted the cinnamon rolls I fell in love! And they held up to their reputation. I cannot indulge too often because my sensibilities and my body remind me that caution is needed. It will be something that is hard to say "No" to and perhaps one of the last treats before departure in the Spring. They are worth the trip wherever you happen to be in the RGV.

This cinnamon roll cost $2.00 and as you can see it is large enough for 4 people!

South of the expressway on Caesar Chavez Road. On the right (west) side of the road. If you get to Ridge Road you have gone too far.
http://www.corys-cakes.com/

Stop shaking, start rolling!

I saw an entry on Facebook that showed how easy it was to get enough pepper on your food. This is a problem Butch has had for years. He creates a cloud of pepper and starts both of us on a sneezing frenzy. I was so excited when I saw this and even more so when I discovered how well it works! I made this video because the post on Facebook would not allow me to share it. I always say, "When the answer is 'No', find a detour. I wish I had known about this detour a long time ago!

You can see the Youtube video here: https://youtu.be/8u34tFXIbDk

Ropa plus

This week has seemed like one very long weekend. I am actually looking forward to the cold spell with rain they are predicting so perhaps the go-go-go will slow down a little. I need to get some housework done.
Today we introduced some newbies to Ropa Usada. Most thought once would be enough but Liz would like to find some dress-up clothes for her granddaughter so I am hoping to catch a ride with the Magnolia experts one time. They are much better at teaching newbies the ropes of Ropa than I am.
We also hit the Hidalgo Flea Market and that was indeed an adventure for all of us. Makes Don-Wes look like the Ritz! I used it for a photo op. Here goes-
This little gal was putting on some dance moves.

 Moe and Lyn looking over things.

Butch found a 150LB pancake compressor for $50 and he would have loved to get it but held himself back.

 
Border Patrol Copter

 For some 'People' this would be enough.

Border wall

 Hidalgo Texas is right on the border

Forgot to mention that we went to Pork Belly to listen to the music of County Line. Bruce Johnson lives in our park so we went to have a listen knowing he played with a good group.

County Line at Pork Belly (3.6 miles north on Westgate)

Bruce

Liz and Dave